The Ultimate Christmas Mac and Cheese Recipe for a Festive Feast

Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, filled with warmth, joy, and incredible food! If you’re looking to make your holiday meal truly special, you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to dive into the ultimate Christmas mac and cheese recipe, a dish that promises to be the star of your festive spread. This comforting, indulgent classic is perfect for any holiday gathering, bringing smiles to everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Mac and Cheese

This holiday season, make this incredible mac and cheese recipe your go-to.

• Irresistibly creamy and rich: Each bite offers a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
• Ideal comfort food for holidays: It’s a warm, familiar dish perfect for chilly winter evenings and festive celebrations.
• Effortlessly elevates any Christmas menu: This elegant yet approachable side dish adds a touch of gourmet flair.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults adore its cheesy goodness, ensuring clean plates all around.
• Customizable for unique festive twists: Easily adapt it with your favorite holiday flavors or toppings.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive masterpiece. This Christmas mac and cheese recipe uses a blend of cheeses for ultimate flavor.

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or similar tubular pasta)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika, for topping)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust this classic recipe to suit your preferences. For the pasta, ditalini or medium shells also work beautifully for soaking up the creamy sauce. If Gruyere isn’t available, try Fontina or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the roux. A tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg stirred into the cheese sauce enhances the festive aroma, adding a classic touch.

Equipment

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful dish.

• Large 3-4 quart baking dish
• Large pot (for pasta)
• Deep saucepan or Dutch oven
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the best Christmas mac and cheese recipe your family has ever tasted. Our step-by-step guide makes holiday cooking simple.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish and set it aside.
2. Combine the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in a large bowl. Set aside half of this mixture for later.
3. Cook the elbow macaroni one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and place it in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir gently to coat. This prevents sticking. Set the pasta aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce.
5. Melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or large stockpot over medium heat.
6. Whisk in the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and light golden. This creates your roux.Understanding the culinary science behind a roux is key to achieving perfect thickening for your sauces.
7. Gradually whisk in the 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue whisking constantly until you see bubbles on the surface, then cook and whisk for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add two cups of the combined shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce, whisking until smooth and fully melted. Add the remaining two cups of the combined cheese and whisk again until the sauce is creamy and thick.
10. Fold the cooled, olive oil-coated pasta into the cheese sauce until every noodle is fully coated.
11. Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the reserved half of the shredded cheese blend. Top with the remaining mac and cheese.
12. In a small bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix until thoroughly combined.
13. Sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
14. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
15. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your fantastic Christmas mac and cheese recipe!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a truly perfect Christmas mac and cheese recipe is easy with these simple tips. To ensure a lump-free cheese sauce, gradually whisk in cold milk to the hot roux. This helps prevent lumps from forming. To prevent pasta from getting mushy, always cook it one minute shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. For a perfectly crispy topping, make sure your butter is fully melted and coats the panko breadcrumbs evenly. You can assemble this dish a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. For an extra festive touch, garnish the baked dish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of dried cranberries before serving.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This indulgent Christmas mac and cheese recipe is incredibly versatile. It makes an excellent side dish for traditional holiday roasts like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. You can also serve it as a hearty vegetarian main course alongside a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a few bright red cranberries for a pop of color that screams holiday cheer.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Christmas mac and cheese recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For detailed information on safe storage of cooked pasta dishes to prevent foodborne illness, consult reliable food safety guidelines.

When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Christmas Variations

Get creative with your holiday mac and cheese!

• Meaty additions: Stir in crispy bacon bits, diced cooked ham, or even crumbled cooked sausage.
• Vegetable boost: Fold in roasted butternut squash cubes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets.
• Herbaceous notes: Infuse the cheese sauce with fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary for deeper, seasonal flavors.
• Extra crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with butter for an old-school, buttery crunch.

Nutrition Information

This Christmas mac and cheese recipe is designed to be a rich and comforting indulgence for your holiday celebration. The nutritional values provided are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced festive meal.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead for Christmas?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate; add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What are the best cheeses for festive mac and cheese?
A: A blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere offers a perfect balance of tang and nuttiness for this specific Christmas mac and cheese recipe. Other great options include Fontina, smoked Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Q: How can I make it extra creamy?
A: Ensure your milk and cream are full-fat. Adding a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce can also boost creaminess.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Roasted butternut squash, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms are wonderful additions. Stir them in with the pasta before baking.

Q: What wine pairs well with Christmas mac and cheese?
A: A crisp Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the richness of this dish beautifully.

Conclusion

This ultimate Christmas mac and cheese recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of holiday comfort and joy. With its rich, creamy sauce and golden, crispy topping, it embodies everything wonderful about festive feasting. We encourage you to make this indulgent creation a new holiday tradition. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort and elevated seasonal cheer, sure to delight everyone around your Christmas table. Wishing you very happy and delicious holidays!

The Ultimate Christmas Mac and Cheese Recipe for a Festive Feast

Creamy, indulgent, and topped with a crispy golden crust, this Christmas mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser. Made with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, it’s festive comfort food at its finest.

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Course: Main, Side Dish

Cuisine: Christmas, Comfort Food, Holiday

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (for topping)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Equipment

• 3–4 quart baking dish For baking the mac and cheese.
• Large pot To cook the pasta.
• Dutch oven or deep saucepan To make the cheese sauce.
• Whisk and spatula For stirring and folding.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements.

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3–4 quart baking dish and set aside.
2. Mix shredded cheddar and Gruyere in a bowl. Reserve half for topping.
3. Cook macaroni 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
4. In a large saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1 minute until light golden.
5. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until bubbly and thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove from heat. Add half of the cheese mix, stir until melted. Add remaining cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
8. Layer half the mac and cheese in baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved cheese. Top with remaining mac and cheese.
9. In a bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Mix well.
10. Sprinkle topping over mac and cheese evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let rest a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your Christmas mac and cheese!

Notes

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Just bake with 10–15 extra minutes. Customize with vegetables, herbs, or meat for a personal festive twist.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com